The phenomenon unleashed by Star Wars nearly five decades ago has left an indelible mark on the film industry, inspiring countless productions to emulate its success. As George Lucas’s epic space saga hit theaters, studios began to launch similar projects in an attempt to capture some of the impressive box office of the galactic saga. Among the most remembered copies, although mostly forgotten, is The Humanoid, a low-budget Italian production that hit theaters in 1979.
An Italian movie with tremendous charm
The Humanoid has become a paradigmatic example of how the film industry has resorted to the strategy of imitation following the success of Star Wars. From its outset, the film copies distinctive elements such as the introductory text that precedes the story, which refers to the iconic opening of the original saga. Although it introduces its own narrative, with elements like a nuclear war and a dangerous substance called Kappatron, the visual similarities are undeniable, especially in the design of sets and costumes.
The main villain, Lord Graal, is a clear nod to Darth Vader, presenting himself with black armor and a distinctive triangular-shaped helmet that evokes the aesthetics of a star destroyer. In fact, the director himself, Aldo Lado, chose the pseudonym Gerge B. Lewis, an inadvertent homage to Lucas, highlighting the influence that Star Wars had.
Over time, The Humanoid has been relegated to oblivion, just like other science fiction films from that era, such as Star Crash. These productions tried to capitalize on the fame of Star Wars, but most did not manage to transcend beyond their relative release, serving as testimonies to the industry’s tendency to replicate successful formulas. Nowadays, very few remember these works, but the impact of Star Wars continues to resonate in contemporary cinema.
